Archive for May, 2012

Eligible Immigrants from all over the world have the opportunity to acquire permanent status in the United States if they are granted a K-1 visa, also known as a "Fiance" Visa.

A K-1 visa is typically issued to the fiance or fiancee of a United States citizen, and requires a certificate of marriage between the immigrant and the U.S. citizen and must be petitioned within 90 days of entry. Once married, the foreign citizen may be eligible for a green card, or lawful permanent residence in the United States. While a K-1 Visa is generally classified as a non-immigrant visa, it may include additional immigration benefits and is often under the jurisdiction of the Immigrant Visa section of United States embassy. Failure to acquire a certificate of marriage after attaining a K-1 visa for 90 days will result in deportation within 30 days. Immigrants that have been issued a fiance visa are also legally able to bring their children under a K2 Visa.

How to get a Fiance Visa

Despite being one of the easiest ways to get citizenship within the United States, approval of a fiance visa is not automatic, or guaranteed. The process involves moderate scrutiny of applications by immigration officials for the purpose of ensuring legitimacy of intent, and not for the sole purpose of gaining immigration benefits. Only a small percentage of K-1 visas are denied, however the process of Obtaining a Fiance Visa is complex and involves significantly large amounts of documentation and up to 5 months of USCIS and U.S. Embassy processing.

If you are applying for a Fiance Visa

The immigration process can be tricky and easily underestimated, that is why it requires the professional assistance of a competent attorney specialized in dealing with immigration topics. If you are an immigrant in or outside of the United States and want to know if you qualify for a Fiance Visa, please contact NY Immigration Attorney Susan B. Henner at 1-888-733-0141 for a consultation and more information.